Lazy Sunday ~ Oscar Fun

I remember, pre-baby days, some of our funnest nights used to be during a big awards show.  The Grammy's, Golden Globes, Oscars always provided a reason to get together, open some booze, and get some good eating in.  We used to even have dinner parties where we would have a pool and try to guess who was going to win the big categories.  I never won.

Tonight is the Oscars and I am embarrassed to say that I haven't seen ANY of the movies that are up for awards.  The closest I have come is hearing about how wonderful The King's Speech was and hoping to see The Black Swan.  Actually, our nanny watched Toy Story 3 one night on our Pay-per-view.  Does that count?  I guess this year, the party will be taking place at someone else's house and hubby, Stella and I will be creating our own new, tradition for awards shows.  I mean, it really is about what everyone is wearing, isn't it?

Here is a fun recipe (courtesy of The Food Network) for the whole family to enjoy while you sit at the television and see your favorite movies win.  Or if you are like us, while you sit and gossip about who is wearing what.  It's a haute play on the favored movie snack, popcorn!

Pepped Up Popcorn

Ingredients

Cheesy Popcorn:

1 (3.5-ounce) package natural microwave popcorn (not the buttered kind)

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Kosher salt

Directions:

Pop the popcorn according to package instructions. While hot, carefully open package and dump into a large bowl. Drizzle oil over the popcorn, and toss the popcorn with your hands to coat. Add the cheese and toss again. Season, to taste, with salt. Cool. Transfer to a sealed container or serve immediately.

Sweet and Spicy Popcorn:

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 (3.5-ounce) package natural microwave popcorn (not the buttered kind), popped

Directions:
Put the sugar, butter, and chili powder in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave on medium (50 percent power) until butter melts, about 1 minute. Stir to dissolve sugar. Drizzle over freshly popped popcorn; and toss to evenly coat. Cool. Transfer to a sealed container or serve immediately.

Rocky Road Popcorn:

1 (3.5-ounce) package natural microwave popcorn (not the buttered kind)
1 cup mini or regular chocolate chips
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup salted peanuts, optional

Directions:
Pop the popcorn according to package instructions. While it's still hot, carefully open and dump into a large bowl. Add the chips and marshmallows.

Return popcorn to the microwave. Cook on high until the chips and marshmallows get gooey, about 1 minute. Add the peanuts, if desired, and toss with a spoon until all the popcorn is coated. Cool until chocolate hardens, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a sealed container or serve immediately.